The long fight for Kenya forest fire compensation has finally produced results. Britain has agreed to pay nearly $4 million to thousands of Kenyans harmed by a huge fire caused by its troops. The fire erupted in 2021 at Lolldaiga conservancy in Laikipia County. It began during a British Army training exercise. The inferno spread quickly, burning through more than 10,000 acres of land.
Local residents said the blaze destroyed homes, polluted water, and left many with breathing problems. Several families also linked health complications and deaths to the toxic smoke. After years of campaigning, Britain has agreed to pay £2.9 million, equal to about $3.9 million. The deal covers 7,723 Kenyan claimants. However, the UK government did not accept liability in the settlement.
Many residents expressed disappointment at the payout. The average victim will receive about 22,000 shillings, roughly $170. Local leaders said the amount is too small after years of pain. Cate Waruguru, Member of Parliament for Laikipia, welcomed the legal victory but criticized the payout. She said victims fought hard but received almost nothing. She also urged Kenyan courts to better defend citizens’ rights.
Young lawyer Kelvin Kubai filed the lawsuit after growing up near the conservancy. He said his clients hoped for twenty times the agreed settlement. He also called for military training to move away from conservation areas. Kubai explained that an “ex gratia” payment was the fastest option. A full trial could have dragged on for years without results. He added that people need financial help now, even if the payout feels unfair.
The British High Commission in Nairobi called the fire “extremely regrettable.” A spokesperson said the UK devoted significant effort to resolve claims. However, officials refused to confirm whether any soldiers faced discipline. Britain pays Kenya about $400,000 each year to operate the British Army Training Unit Kenya, known as BATUK. Troops train mostly in Laikipia and Samburu counties. However, allegations of human rights abuses have long surrounded the unit.
Local residents said they still live with health issues. Some require inhalers and frequent hospital visits. Others said their children suffer from chronic respiratory problems. During one meeting, a grandmother explained that her grandchildren are sick. She also said she has chest pain and wants to move. “If we get this money, we will leave,” she declared.
Activists argued that the land itself will take decades to recover. A consultancy study found Lolldaiga conservancy may not fully heal until 2060. The fight for Kenya forest fire compensation highlights the tension between military training and community rights. Residents want safety and dignity. Activists demand transparency and accountability. Britain now faces continued scrutiny over its role in Kenya.
For locals, the Kenya forest fire compensation marks both relief and frustration. They gained recognition but still live with wounds that money cannot heal.
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